After winning the previous contest with Wate And Sea John Joe Walsh quickly doubled-up in the last, the Athleague Maiden Hurdle, as his The Mulcare Rover sprang a massive 50/1 surprise.

Making his debut the son of Pushkin was prominent in the early stages before settling in mid-division.

He was pushed along in fifth approaching the straight and went third after three out.

He was ridden after the next and reeled-in Little Mitch (6/1) on the run-in, going on to score by a length and a quarter.

Little Mitch travelled best entering the straight and looked the most likely winner at the second last. However she couldn't hold off the winner and had to settle for second under Mark Walsh for Yvonne Latta. Ultimate Horseman was sent off the 6/4 favourite but he looked a sitting duck at the second last where he made a bad mistake.

He eventually finished third, a further two and a quarter lengths back, under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott.

John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "That's one for the bookies! It was his first run and I thought he'd run well but maybe a bit of greenness might catch him out.

"He did it well though and stayed on well. I only have him about three months."

STEWARDS REPORT

J.S. McGarvey, rider of Little Ollie trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount independently slipped up on the bottom bend with no blame attached to any other rider.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson